How I work.
I believe:
Fundraising is organizing. I meet people where they are and help them advocate for what they believe in, inspiring them to organize others in turn.
Everyone is a philanthropist. Elite philanthropy overshadows the rich history of giving in communities of color and low-income communities—through tithing, mutual aid, and remittances. Indigenous peoples understood giving as sharing, not charity. You don't need to come from a wealthy background to be a successful fundraiser. Resource sharing and collective care is our lineage.
Fundraisers connect people for justice. I've never closed a gift or won a grant solely through my efforts. The most successful fundraising occurs through deep relationships and collaboration among staff, partners, and donors who are committed to showing up in solidarity with impacted communities.
Not at once; but woman is the mothering element in the world and her vote will go toward helping forward the time when life's Bread, which is home, shelter and security, and the Roses of life, music, education, nature and books, shall be the heritage of every child that is born in the country, in the government of which she has a voice.
— Helen Todd, 1910.